The short adjustable suture.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new, adjustable suture technique for strabismus surgery that is safe and effective and allows for adjustment during the postoperative week only when required.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 304 patients, of which 149 were male and 155 female, with an age range from 4 to 89 years and a median age of 42 years.

METHODS

All patients treated with the short adjustable suture technique between September 2007 and April 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Details of cause, complexity and reoperation, operative success, requirement for adjustment, and success of adjustment were collected. Success was defined as horizontal deviation < or = 10 prism diopters (PD) and vertical deviation < or = 6 PD.

RESULTS

Overall, 84% of horizontal deviations and 74% of vertical deviations were treated successfully with 1 operation. Twenty-one adjustments were performed. Complications included 1 slipped slip knot and 6 conjunctival or Tenon cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

The short adjustable suture is a safe and effective variation of the standard slip-knot adjustable suture technique. It allows for adjustment up to 6 days postoperatively with minimal patient discomfort. When adjustment is not indicated, the suture can be left in place to absorb.